Pre-operative Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Prior to Radical Prostatectomy: Impacts on Mental Health

Abstract

Prostate cancer has a notable public health impact. One of the key treatment modalities for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy, which involves surgically removing the prostate. Unfortunately, there are adverse outcomes associated with this modality, specifically erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Preoperative pelvic floor muscle training has the potential to improve the erectile function and urinary continence postoperatively. Poor erectile function and urinary incontinence may negatively impact sexual and mental health. Therefore, preoperative pelvic floor muscle training has the potential to improve sexual and mental health. This study outlines potential barriers and practical ways to incorporate pelvic floor muscle training into the care that patients with prostate cancer receive.